I finished another book on my summer reading list and this classic by John Steinbeck is none other than The Grapes of Wrath. When I finished this book I was a little confused on the ending. It was only when I understood the major theme that I understood. The theme being that decency and morality are the most important ideals a person has to hold onto, in order to still be human.
(Which makes me think of Valerie's Letter in V for Vendetta
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| Courtesy of Bing |
The Joad family has lost everything at the end, and I mean everything. Despite that though, the Joad family is still willing to help others over themselves. Whenever the chance to give comes up Ma Joad gives money, food, or care to others even though this woman is "tar'd" beyond belief. When, or if, you read this story you will see that the some family members leave. Ask yourself what their reasons are. Some leave because they don't want to help the family anymore, they only want to support themselves.
In my own family, we have a rare disease called Huntington's Disease that has affected relatives including my mother. When she became symptomatic, she had some family and friends stay but many left. The reason? It is surprisingly the same reason the Joad family fell apart in the story. They were concerned more about how they themselves would feel, their fears, and they didn't want to admit that someone they loved was going to die. I saw first hand that during her life her friends by the dozens boiled down to one or two when she became quite ill.
What does this have to do with bringing positivity? First, anyone can help others. Some people even take a vow of poverty and take a lifetime of service for others such as Buddhists and Nuns or are just willing to help like this group of Atheists and of course the Red Cross. Amazon.com is also doing a program right now called smile.amazon.com where you shop and Amazon will donate its profit to the charity of your choice.
The second thing you can do, is act the way you say you will. Any person can say they will be your friend for life or that they will donate or volunteer or whatever but ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS (caps lock for effect). The Joad family all donated and volunteered to help others and my mom's true friends and family visited her in the hospital and donated to cure HD. Think of your friends, family, and even strangers that you can help. Don't just think it, do it! Take charge and be a leader.
WHO TO DONATE TO
- http://passage.org.uk/ Others beg for money for those who cannot beg
- http://www.kiva.org/ Give a $25 loan that creates a business for a person in the 3rd World
- http://www.empowerpeople.org.in/ Help those who have been in human trafficking schemes
- http://www.sistersunited.com/ Buy a cool purse and change a person's life!
- And of course Red Cross and smile.amazon.com are both included above
HOW TO BRING POSITIVE EMOTIONS
- http://www.lifelovelauren.com/2013/06/the-paper-gift.html?showComment=1372061004486#c3762286930814949961
- http://www.upworthy.com/he-got-a-good-idea-from-the-internet-put-it-on-a-cardboard-sign-and-made-it-real?c=ufb1
- http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/08/peace-sign-activity-for-kids.html
I hope that I've helped you today and inspired you! So now to
End On a Happy Note:
and also this gif that makes me smile so much and hopefully you too! http://johnlock-must-happen.tumblr.com/post/86083636959
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